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The Reviews for The Perfect Host (2010) 1080p

Reviewed bysomfVote: 8/10/10Caught this on On Demand last night on a whim, and I am really glad Ispent the overpriced ticket on it. David Hyde Pierce must have had aball with this and Clayne Crawford is a very solid performer. Hereminds me of a young Ray Liotta in "Something Wild". I hope to see himin some more high quality films, because he deserves a good career. Iam in total agreement with the only other reviewer here so far; this isa film that to describe too much about really would spoil the twists.

The trailer even gives a bit too much away so if you have not seen it;trust me, if you have ON Demand and you enjoy Black Comedy have a gowithout watching the trailer.

The entire plot twists and setup is absurd, but if you don't nitpicktoo much as I am wont to do you will have a great time watching twotalented actors for a fast paced 90 minutes.

I would have even rated this higher like a 9, but I didn't want the"incredibly surprised cause I had no expectations" factor to add toomuch to my numerical rating of this gem of a film.

Reviewed byTerry Roehrig IIVote: 8/10/10This is the type of movie where I wish I hadn't seen the trailer beforeI saw it. The trailer doesn't need to go so much into detail and tellyou some of the upcoming plot twists and surprises the film has instore for it's audiences. Once again, Hollywood gives us too much anddoesn't let the movie play on it's own strengths (like the performancesof their cast) and they feel that they have to shock and awe us withsome twists in the trailer. If you haven't seen the trailer -- don't.Just watch this one based on the summary and my review alone. Don'tworry, you can trust me -- the movie is totally worth it.

John Taylor (Crawford) is just your typical, everyday thief. He'srunning from the law, wounded and all the cops have his description andthe make and model of his getaway car. So, he ditches it and decides tohang low for a little bit by pretending to be whatever he needs to bein order to get inside someone/anyone's house. After digging throughsome mail, he finds a postcard from Australia from Julia addressed toWarwick Wilson (David Hyde Pierce). Jackpot. He pretends to be a friendof Julia's from Australia in order to have Warwick let him in. Onceinside, some things go awry and then the tables get turned, so tospeak. I can't really tell you too much about what goes on inside thehouse, because then that will spoil the movie. About the only thing Ican tell you is that Warwick is a seemingly perfect host who kindlytakes John in and caters to his needs because he has some guestsarriving for a dinner party anyway, so what's one more, right? There ismuch to like in The Perfect Host. Standing out exceedingly is DavidHyde Pierce. He gives a fantastic performance as Warwick. Yes, it mayseem like his Niles character from TV's Frasier, but there's definitelymore to him than meets the eye. I am not sure of too many actors whocould have pulled it off as Hyde Pierce did. Crawford also does a nicejob holding his own against Pierce but he's not the reason people willbe buzzing about this movie.

Another thing that the film has going for it is the many twists andturns in the road until the final resolve. You think it'll be going oneway and it goes the other. Your mind zigs, it zags. Your mind zags, itzigs. It's crazy busy with surprises and close calls. I enjoyed notknowing where the film would take us next and reveled in the idea thatall bets were off about how it was going to end because of all thecraziness that preceded.

The very subtle humor and overall quirkiness of the film caught me bysurprise as well. The script is very well-written and thought outmethodically in order for the pieces of the puzzle to fit together. Thewriter/director injected the film with some wonderful elements of humorand snappy dialog as to not let the film become too dark and extremelyforeboding, I enjoyed that immensely. Kudos to him for keeping a lighttone fully intact for what could have easily become just anothermindless horror/thriller film.

Now let's discuss why the film isn't reaching "A" status. The initialplot is just a bit too neat, isn't it? One of the first things theyteach you about writing screenplays is that audiences really hatecoincidences. One, maybe.... two, three and four? Come on. It fitstogether too perfectly. There has to be a better reason for John Taylorto even step foot inside that house --- most criminals would hide outin the woods or find an abandoned shack somewhere, the last thing theywant to be doing is coming across more people. Once inside the house,John also makes some silly character flaws that shouldn't have evenbeen brought up in the first place...again, coincidence. I understandthat if they didn't happen then we wouldn't have a movie... but... tome, it has to be better constructed than what was delivered. The filmalso has a few scenes that can easily be cut from the film because theydon't advance the plot or give us any new details whatsoever.

However, the problems are minimal. It's still a very good watch andit'll be one that you will talk about and think about for a few daysafterwards. As I am sitting here typing this, I am actually lookingforward to sitting down with some friends and sharing this movie withthem. It's too bad that the movie wasn't seen by a wider audiencebecause Hyde Pierce would surely gotten some awards for his portrayalof Warwick Wilson.

More reviews at www.soveryterry.com

Final Grade: B+

Reviewed byhighlandpercussionVote: 8/10/10At first glance, The Perfect Host concerns John Taylor's best laidplans being shattered when he meets quirky socialite Warwick Wilson. Iwouldn't want to reveal much more; suffice it to say that the film'strailer barely skims the surface so to speak.

Once Warwick's true nature is revealed, it becomes difficult to discerngood guy from bad guy. This, however, is one of the film's strengths;it doesn't beat its audience over the head with a specific philosophy.

The highlight of the piece is, without a doubt, the brilliant DavidHyde Pierce. As I'm not familiar with Frasier, I can't compare Mr.Pierce's performance as Warwick to Niles Crane. In any case histransformation over the course of The Perfect Host is trulyfrightening.

I for one hope Mr. Pierce receives a good amount of Best Actor orSupporting Actor award recognition for his work here. He probably has abetter shot at the latter, but that can't really be said yet. If you'rea fan of his, or are simply curious about The Perfect Host, you'rebound to have a good time.

The Plot Summary for The Perfect Host (2010) 1080p

Injured after committing a bank robbery, John Taylor is desperate to find a place to hide out and approaches the home of Warick Wilson. John manages to get himself invited into the house by posing as a friend of a friend and spinning a sob story of lost luggage and a violent mugging. Inside, Warick, a consummate host, is making the final preparations for an impeccable dinner party. He insists John stay for the party, but as the evening begins it becomes obvious Warick may not be what he first appears.